American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.